Air Raid Shelter
Under the Tetuán square, in the center of Castellon, there is an extraordinary place. It’s the Air Raid Shelter, an air-raid shelter from the times of the civil war in Spain. This place takes us back in time and allows us to learn about the history, testimony, and emotions of people who sought protection there from bombings.
The Air Raid Shelter was established in 1937, at the beginning of the war, on the initiative of the city authorities. It was to accommodate and save the lives of thousands of Castellon residents who were exposed to air attacks. The city had many such shelters, and it itself was bombed over 40 times between 1937 and 1938.
It has the shape of a U and is 65 meters long. It consists of three corridors and two turns, connected to each other. It is located 9 meters underground and can be accessed by stairs from the Tetuán square. Inside the shelter, you can see its construction and equipment, as well as watch a film that tells about the life of people during the war. In the shelter, you can see how the residents of Castellon suffered and fought during the war, how they rebuilt and revived after the war.
If you want to visit the Air Raid Shelter, you can use an audio guide, which will tell you about its history and significance. You can also ask about the possibility of participating in some event that interests you.
It is worth paying attention to the following events:
-
- El Descenso: this is the entrance to the shelter, which is located on the Tetuán square, next to the fountain. It is a step descent to the underground, 25 meters long and 9 meters deep. In this event, visitors participate, who have to overcome darkness and humidity to reach the shelter. In this event, you can feel how the people of Castellon sought shelter and safety during alarms.
- El Recorrido: this is a route through the shelter, which has the shape of a U and is 65 meters long. It is a route that consists of three corridors and two turns, connected to each other. In this event, visitors participate, who have to go through the shelter, observing its construction and equipment. In this event, you can see how the people of Castellon lived and suffered during the bombings.
- El Audiovisual: this is a film show, which takes place at the end of the shelter, in the projection room. It is a show that lasts 15 minutes and consists of archival photos and films, as well as testimonies of witnesses and experts. In this event, visitors participate, who have to watch the film, listening to its content and music. In this event, you can learn how the people of Castellon survived and overcame the war.
